DEWALT Router Fixed/Plunge Base Kit, Variable Speed, 1.25-HP Max Torque (DWP611PK)

Top quality router, highly recommend.Very easy to work with, intuitive and easy snaps and clamps, good quality cord, very convenient handles and transparent sub-plate — so good to finally see what I'm doing! And having fixed AND plunge bases in one kit — it's amazing for the money!The weight (I can operate with it single-handed!), size (on fixed base it can be conveniently held with just one palm) and power of this router is amazing — I flipped it over for a DIY router table — and it is very good even with large bits!Variable speed — you'll love it!Many trimming routers don't have it, but I sometimes use large bits and this is a must have for them, as you have to use lower speed to avoid burning.Be aware that fixed base has a standard "D" sub-plate, which hole doesn't accommodate standard 1-3/16" bushings, you'll have to buy a round plate replacement for this. But the round plate is quite small, making the footprint (and stability) is even smaller, so I just use the plunge base, which accommodates the bushings natively.Also be aware that this router doesn't have a vacuum attachment — you have to buy them separately. Both bases have their own attachments, so be prepared to pay, like, 6-8 additional dollars for each, if you are going to use the vacuum.The only con I can think of — the standard "D" sub plate (fixed base) and the replacement round one are quite small and you have to be careful holding the router flat to the table — but plunge base doesn't have this issue, it's much larger and sturdier.Highly recommend this router to anyone!

I bought this combo kit 7 or 8 years ago and thought I should weigh in with my experience. I purchased the fence to go with it. It has plenty of power - so much that I bought larger rabitting bits with 1/4" shanks which I normally wouldn't use with a trim router. (For instance, the Porter Cable trim router has a tiny goofy collett which really limits the bits you can use.) The fence is very adjustable and reliable. I use it almost exclusively with the plunge base because it adds so much versatility. Really, this is something of a crossover router since it is a little larger than most trim routers and it has more horsepower.I own some Porter-Cable routers, a Sears Craftsman, a larger (1-3/4 hp I think) DeWalt router with plunge base, and a Ryobi trim router. The Ryobi is cheap and good only for small router bits - mostly because it bounces around a bit when it engages the cut. Getting back to the DeWalt, it is a serious little commercial quality router and is probably the best I've ever owned, bar none. Most routers have design quirks which make them irritating to use in one way or another. The DeWalt has none of these quirks. It's just well designed and thoroughly reliable.

I was initially looking at the Bosch Colt after reading a magazine review. I wanted to get a "smaller" router for inlay work and the occational edge routing (I mainly use a router table). I went to a local Big Box Store to check it out the Colt in person and came across the Dewalt. It was a bit more expensive, but had some really nice features that the Colt didn't have such as the LED lights, plunge base option and the larger, more robust motor. I took the "plunge" on the Dewalt after reading reviews for a while. I finally got to use it for the first time and was pleasantly suprised by it's soft start motor, similar to my full sized Bosch that "pemanantly" sits in my router table and the LED's. It's a real joy to use a quality tool when woodworking...makes such a huge difference in my opinion. I also added the dust colletion shroud for the pluge base....it works so-so, but that my be due to the long run I have of 1.5 ID hose I have going to it from my 4" DC hose..just last night it did plug up, so there may be some fiddling that needs to be done here.Overall...if you are on the fence between the standard base model or the plunge base kit, for the extra money, it's nice to have that option right away...well worth the money as the smoothness and ease of operation of the plunge base was well thought out. The 1.25 HP motor is plenty strong for most uses, especially since one really shouln't route out too much material in one pass or with 1/4" router bits anyway. As far as the Colt vs. Dewalt debate...I can't comment on the pros or cons of the Colt, but if you go with the Dewalt I don't think you will have any regrets. I'm glad I spent the extra money for this "little" BIG router.Thanks Dewalt..tool well done!ps..I have bought several tools from Amazon and have been completely satisfied with their prices, service and delivery timelines thus far.